The 54-year-old former athlete went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from Aurora University and has devoted much of his life to mentoring youth in poor neighborhoods. He helped start Book over Balls, a non-profit organization that mentors Chicago’s youth and stresses education over violence.
The Chicago Reporter talked recently with Fellows about sports, education and making a difference.
What is Books Over Balls about?
We use basketball as a motivation to bring young men back to getting their education with organized basketball tournaments like Battle for the Rim.
In which communities does the organization work?
We work with kids from South Shore, Austin and Englewood. We try to work with kids from all over Chicago and other organizations.
What are some of the methods you use to reach the youth?
You have to be honest with them and keep it positive with them, and you have to show them that you are for real, and we did that with our basketball showcase.
Does your organization offer any kind of structure?
Yes, because books are first what gives kids structure. You can’t play basketball or be in this program without being in some sort of academics, and if you are not, we are going to help you with that. It’s about getting an education first.